Phoenix Film Critics Society 2016 Awards

The Phoenix Film Critics Society (which I am a voting member) has announced its 2016 award winners, with “La La Land” earning the most nominations (7), including for Best Picture, Best Actress (Emma Stone), and Best Director (Damien Chazelle). David Mackenzie’s “Hell or High Water” came in second with three awards, while Mel Gibson’s “Hacksaw Ridge” won two.

Here’s the organization’s take on the musical drama and why it did so well:

“La La Land’s producers have much to sing about as our membership responded to this 21st century musical romance,” said PFCS president Gayle Bass. La La Land also won in the Best Cinematography, Best Original Song, Best Original Score and Best Production design categories.

“Critics clearly embraced the look and sound of this film.”

“Manchester by the Sea” and “Moonlight” continue to receive critical acclaim despite what I found to be overall unremarkable journeys for viewers in both films. Glad to see “Florence Foster Jenkins” get well-deserved recognition for one of this year’s most enjoyable and funny movies.